Family and domestic violence

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or family violence, call 1800RESPECT on 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or visit https://www.1800respect.org.au/ to access online chat and video call services.

Family and domestic violence affects people of all ages and from all backgrounds, but mainly women and children. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare’s Burden of Disease Study 2018 ranked intimate partner violence as the fourth leading risk factor in living with and dying prematurely from a disease or injury for women aged between 15 and 44.

Domestic and family violence is behaviour that coerces, controls or causes a person to be afraid. People do not need to be physically hurt to have experienced domestic and family violence, as behaviours include emotional, sexual and financial abuse.

Because general practice is often the first port of call for people seeking help, GPs are well placed to recognise the signs, start a conversation and respond if necessary.

Resources

Last Update: February 20th, 2025

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).

We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.

We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.